A total of 18 Methodist Church Ministers and Executives appeared in the Suva Magistrate court this morning charged with allegedly breaching the Public Emergency Regulation last year.

DDP lawyer, David Toganivalu made an application for the charges against the 18 to be consolidated with charges against the nine Church Ministers who are facing similar charges and their case is on-going from last year.

Magistrate Kaweendra Namayakkara has adjourned the case to the 23rd of this month where a plea is also expected to be taken.

It is alleged the 18 Methodist Church Ministers and Executives participated in the meeting of the Methodist Church standing committee on the 17th of July last year, which was in contravention of the Public Emergency Regulation.